Mayor's Community Update - 07/06/19

Greetings!  At the June 25, 2019 Committee of the Whole meeting of the Waupun Common Council, department heads shared priorities for the next budget cycle.  The topics discussed during that meeting reflect issues that require resource allocation in the 2020 budget and resulting work plan and/or require the city to develop a longer-term plan to prepare our community for future needs.  Priorities for 2020 include work focused on quality of place; maintenance of infrastructure; safety, wellness and sustainability of our community; economic vitality; and a shift towards high performance government.  Department heads will now begin working with their respective boards and commissions to discuss priorities before finalizing their draft budget later this summer.  Over the coming weeks, we will use this column to provide a brief overview of what we are working on in each of the priority areas. 

Our first priority, quality of place, examines the physical characteristics of our community, including the way it is planned, designed, developed and maintained to promote quality of life.   Research continues to show that quality of place matters to attracting and retaining young families and talent needed to ensure a skilled and available workforce and to support community prosperity.  For years, the city maintained a focus on quality of life by enhancing assets that make this a great place to live.  Physical assets such as bike trails, the aquatic center and the ball diamonds were added.  Those things continue to matter, but increasingly the focus is moving beyond development of physical assets to include things that build and promote community. 

So, what will we be working on in 2020?  In late 2018, the Common Council appointed a facilities advisory committee.  That committee is working to develop a plan to address needs at the Waupun Senior Center.  As attendance continues to increase at that facility, we have outgrown the current space and need to improve ADA accessibility.  The facility advisory committee is working to finalize a plan and define funding options to create a new space for people of all ages to connect and build community.  We are talking a lot about the need for intergenerational inclusion with this project and that includes programming for all generations.  Both the library and the recreation departments are part of this discussion and we are evaluating and seeking ways to enhance programming and service delivery through both outlets.  Our aging coalition is working on a housing plan to make certain we have affordable and accessible housing to meet the needs of the community now and in the future. Additionally, we will continue to source grants to fund outdoor recreation assets (think bike trail extensions, McCune Park improvements, etc.) and we’re planning for continued investment in streetscaping and the addition of wayfaring signage as we work to make our downtown a destination for residents and visitors alike.  Finally, we are focused on strengthening external partnerships with our schools and other community partners as a way to enhance quality of place.  

Moving forward, we will post information related to budget creation on the city’s website as it becomes available.  If you have questions or ideas to share, we invite you to contact your alderperson who will work with city staff to incorporate any pertinent feedback throughout this process.

Around town, mark your calendars for Concerts in the Park each Thursday this month, beginning at 5:30 p.m.  The July 11 concert will be held at West End Park and will feature Scotty Meyer.  New this year, Trinity Church is sponsoring Movies in the Park on July 19 and August 16.  Both movie nights will be held at Wilcox Park, 404 S Watertown St., and will feature free food and games beginning at 7:30 p.m.  Movies begin at dusk both nights.  Bring your own beverages and chairs.  This is a great way to enjoy time with family and build community.  I hope to see you around town!